Junior Robotics Automation Engineer

About Us

Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.

About the Role

As an Automation & Robotics Project Engineer within Harmattan AI's Automation & Industrialisation team, you will work alongside a Senior Automation & Robotics Engineer to design and commission robotics and automation cells hands-on, on a modular mixed-model assembly line built to run multiple quadcopter platforms on shared infrastructure.

You will own the full integrator relationship — defining requirements, managing suppliers technically and commercially, and controlling cost, quality, and delivery. Operating in a live ramp-up environment, you will make real industrial decisions on where and when automation creates value — directly strengthening Harmattan AI's capacity to manufacture autonomous systems at speed and scale.

Responsibilities

Hands-On Automation and robotics

• Design, assemble, and commission automation and robotics cells hands-on, directly within the shopfloor environment.
• Integrate robotic systems, sensors, and actuators into modular stations compatible with a mixed-model assembly line.
• Validate and deploy industrial equipment in collaboration with production teams to ensure operational readiness.
• Execute rapid iterations on automation cells to keep pace with evolving products and processes during the production ramp-up.
• Conduct technical and commercial assessments to justify automation investments and create value before implementation.

Integrator & Supplier Management

• Define technical requirements and functional specifications for automation integrators.
• Manage integrators end-to-end — from RFQ and design reviews through FAT/SAT and go-live.
• Own cost tracking, budget control, and lead time management on automation projects.
• Challenge supplier proposals technically and commercially — hold them to quality, cost, and delivery.

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor cell performance post-deployment and drive OEE improvements across the shared line.
• Identify root causes of faults and implement corrective actions — on the floor or with suppliers.
• Ensure automation cells remain compatible with mixed-model production as the product portfolio grows.
• Feed lessons learned into future specifications and cell designs.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of experience
• Practical hands-on experience with industrial and collaborative robots including brands such as Universal Robots, Doosan, FANUC, or KUKA.
• Working knowledge of PLCs — notably Siemens TIA Portal/S7 — and associated automation architectures.
• Familiarity with sensors, actuators, motion systems, and cell-level safety standards.
• Ability to write clear technical specifications and functional requirements.
• Comfortable managing suppliers and integrators — technically, commercially, and on schedule.
• Thrives in fast-moving, iterative environments with incomplete information and evolving processes.
• Rigorous, structured, and able to prioritize under ramp-up pressure.
• Good communication in French and English — able to interact clearly with operators and engineers
• Hands-on mindset; at ease on the shopfloor, not just behind a screen

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with vision systems, force/torque sensing, or automated quality inspection.
• Understanding of OEE metrics and lean manufacturing principles.
• Exposure to Industry 4.0 tools — digital twins, IoT, or predictive maintenance concepts.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments where processes are still being built
• Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication in French and English, capable of leading diverse principals – from junior members to senior executives.
• Commitment: 100% dedication to Harmattan AI’s mission, vision, and ambitious growth plans, ready to go the extra mile to ensure operational excellence.